Ascent Lab Testing

Naturopathic Doctors in Alberta can requisition most laboratory tests performed at Calgary Lab Services (CLS). Beyond such tests, they also have access to specialized testing. Here are some of those tests available at Ascent Integrative Health.

Food Sensitivity Testing

This test assesses your personal reactivity to 96-184 different foods. Specifically this in house blood spot test will assess your body’s immune response, gauging reactivity of an immunoglobulin IgG against the various foods and the intensity by which they respond (no reactivity, low, moderate or high). Results from this test are used to create a personalized treatment plan to heal the GUT, reduce inflammation and any corollary symptoms that might arise as a consequence of food sensitivities.

Celiac Profile

This in house blood spot test screens for several antibodies whose presence strongly suggest gluten sensitivity and or celiac disease. These antibodies are IgA and IgG to gliadan (a protein found in gluten) to assess for gluten sensitivity and IgA antibodies to tissue transglutaminase which is specific for celiac.

Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis (CDSA)

This test is collected in the comfort of one’s home, whereby stool is collected and sent to the lab for processing. Results examine digestive and absorptive functions along with screening for opportunistic pathogens and parasites. Often this test is run when symptoms such as persistent: bloating, diarrhea, indigestion, constipation, occur.

Fatty Acid Profile

This in house blood spot test assesses the fatty acid composition of red blood cells (RBC) and their respective ratios. Specifically it screens for an individual’s Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs), Saturated Fatty Acids (SFAs), Trans-Fatty Acids (TFAs) and Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (MUFAs) profiles of their RBCs. The ratio with which these fats exist is critical for optimal cell function. Imbalances are correlated with chronic inflammation, cardiovascular disease, depression, and other mood disorders. This test will help determine which forms of fat you should be consuming more of and those for which you should be consuming less of to achieve optimal fatty acid balance.

Hormone Testing

This take home test requires collecting saliva at various times of the day to quantify the presence of several hormones. Testing saliva for the levels of sex and adrenal hormones is a non-invasive method that yields reliable results and informs treatments protocols. The saliva is screened for active hormone availability, where results help to determine imbalances and patterns related to some chronic diseases.

Neurotransmitter testing

Assessing neurotransmitter levels by screening the urine can provide insight into neurotransmitter imbalance(s) and provide guidance for treatment. This tool can help guide treatment to manage and support various mental and emotional disorders or concerns that occur due to imbalances in neurotransmitters. The lab used to screen for the neurotransmitters use highly sensitive technologies to determine the status of neurotransmitters.

Urinary Amino Acids

This take home lab test uses urine to screen for the presence of dietary protein and amino acids to detect adequacies and balances. As well it screens for gastrointestinal dysfunction, protein intolerances, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, renal and hepatic information and other concerns related to amino acid metabolism disorders such as inflammation / oxidative stress, reduced detoxification capacity and psychiatric abnormalities.

Organic Acids

This take home test screens urine to assess for metabolic functions & cellular metabolic function. Organic acids are metabolic intermediates that result in energy production pathways, the breakdown of neurotransmitters, detoxification and microbial activity. Understanding the presence and quantity of these metabolites can help inform where blockages may be in such processes and how to support them and or what to screen further for optimal health.